Summer Sonic

With two locations and a lineup that would go down well anywhere in the world, Japan's Summer Sonic has been riding high since 2000. And if you're more of a dance music fan, don't despair: the separate festival Sonicmania takes place immediately before Summer Sonic, putting on a more electronically-flavoured lineup.

Sonar Hong Kong

The trademark Sónar blend of intricate techno, expansive post-rock and flowing electro has found one of its new international homes at the Hong Kong Science Park.

When & where: 17 March 2018, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong

Fuji Rock Festival

Headliners (2017): Gorillaz, Aphex Twin, Björk

Fuji Rock is probably Asia's best-known festival across the world, with 100,000-strong crowds having come from far and wide every year for the last 20 years. Fun fact: the festival has taken place almost 300k away from Mount Fuji since its third edition in 1999. I guess 'Naeba Ski Resort Rock' wouldn't quite have the same ring.

When & where: 27-29 July, Naeba Ski Resort, Japan

Sunburn Festival

Gargantuan EDM lineups, stage production to rival the biggest European and North American festivals, and the glorious surroundings of Maharashtra state: Sunburn has a claim to be the biggest jewel in Asia's festival crown. And it's just a few hours out of Mumbai.

When & where: December 2018, Pune, India

World Club Dome Korea

Headliners (2017): Marshmello, Afrojack, Martin Garrix, Sven Väth

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, but now fully established in Incheon, World Club Dome does stadium EDM as well as anyone. It's 3 days, 20 stages and 200 artists' worth of big room, progressive house and the occasional shade of a more underground techno sound.

When & where: 14-16 September 2018, Incheon, South Korea

Ultra Music Festival

The footprint of Miami's dance music giant is now well and truly global, with editions in Seoul, Singapore, Bali, Shanghai and Tokyo making up the Asian contingent. Expect the biggest DJs going, and UMF's signature production at every location.

ZoukOut

ZoukOut claims the title of Asia's largest beach music festival, and with A-list house lineups year after year it's no surprise the crowds are consistently among the biggest around.

When & where: December 2018, Siloso Beach, Singapore

Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival

Headliners: Bastille, Justice [live], Idiotape, DNCE

Indie, rock, dance and metal blend together at South Korea's biggest outdoor festival, populating three huge stages over 3 days, just to the south-west of Seoul.

When & where: August 2018, Incheon, South Korea

Don't Let Daddy Know

Headliners: Martin Garrix, Ummet Ozcan, Dannic

DLDK has quickly proved itself to be one of Amsterdam's premium EDM party brands, hosting shows and festivals around the world. Thailand is a regular feature, with star-studded lineups, stages and fireworks lighting up the Bangkok skyline for two days and nights each year.

When & where: 2-3 February 2018, Bangkok, Thailand

Great Wall Festival

Headliners: Nina Kraviz, Dixon, Recondite

Given that it's brand new this year, it's a big call to include Great Wall Festival in this list. If it turns out a disaster, I'll look more than a little stupid. But with that location, and a strong phase 1 lineup, it's got the makings of something very special.

When & where: 19-20 May 2018, The Great Wall, China

Djakarta Warehouse Project

Headliners (2017): Marshmello, Tiësto, Hardwell, Steve Aoki

No relation to Manchester's The Warehouse Project, the Jakarta festival of the same name (which uses an alternate spelling of its host city) brings seriously impressive house/trance/EDM lineups to Indonesia each December, embellished by expansive production levels.

When & where: December 2018, Jakarta, Indonesia

Java Jazz Festival

Like most jazz festivals around the world, Java Jazz has widened its lineup in recent years to include pop, soul and the odd splash of rock. Whether because of or despite that, Jakarta's headline festival remains the biggest jazz gathering in the southern hemisphere, with well over 50,000 showing up across the 3-day programme.

When & where: 2-4 March 2018, Jakarta, Indonesia

Clockenflap

Headliners (2017): Massive Attack, The Prodigy, Kaiser Chiefs, Feist

Hong Kong's biggest and oldest music festival wins all the prizes for most original name. It also lays on a family-friendly weekend of film, visual and performance art, crafts and music, right in the heart of the city.

When & where: 9-11 November 2018, Central Harbourfront, Hong Kong

We The Fest

Headliners (2017): The Kooks, Kodaline, Phoenix, Big Sean

Another of Jakarta's stand-out festivals, We The Fest celebrates music, arts, fashion and food at the city's Parkir Timur Senayan. Lineups lean from indie and rock to pop and hip hop.

When & where: 20-22 July 2018, Jakarta, Indonesia

Big Mountain Music Festival

Headliners: Polycat, Paradox, Getsunova

True to its name, Big Mountain Music Festival takes place on the aptly-named Big Mountain (Khao Yai in Thai), just a couple of hours north-east of Bangkok. BMMF has become one of the biggest festivals in Southeast Asia, led by Mr. Steak – its distinctive cow mascot.

When & where: December 2018, Pak Chong, Thailand

Valley Rock Festival

Headliners (2017): Major Lazer, Sigur Rós, Gorillaz, Lorde

Strongly connected with Japan's Fuji Rock Festival, Valley Rock puts on diverse lineups that cater heavily for fans of European and North American music, with a smattering of rock and pop favourites from closer to home.

When & where: July 2018, Jisan Resort, South Korea

World DJ Festival

Headliners: Boys Noize, Zatox, Atmozfears, Wildstylez

Even with recent competition from Ultra and World Club Dome, Seoul's World DJ Festival still holds out at the very top of South Korea's electronic music scene. There's also a more varied feel to each year's lineup, with harder styles and techno featuring more prominently than on its competitors' lineups.

When & where: 26-27 May 2018, Seoul, South Korea

Rock in Japan

Headliners(2017): Radwimps, The Back Horn, Little Glee Monster, Daoko

Laden with J-Rock and J-Pop stars, Rock in Japan brings a high-profile counterpoint to the country's big international festivals like Fuji Rock, Valley Rock and Summer Sonic.

When & where: 4-5 & 11-12 August 2018, Hitachi Seaside Park, Japan

Shipsomania

Headliners: Friction, Mark Knight, Netsky [DJ set], Christian Smith

Phuket and Langkawi help form the backdrop for Shipsomania's journey each year, as the 5-day party on board the Costa Victoria loops back round to the Port of Singapore.